What is Passover?

One of the most celebrated holidays in the Jewish religious calendar, Passover commemorates the liberation and exodus of the Jewish people out of slavery in Egypt. Passover also marks a simultaneous momentous event in Jewish history: The firstborn of the Israelites were spared from the last of the 10 plagues God inflicted on Egypt by marking their doors with the blood of a spring lamb so that they plague would “pass over” them.

When is Passover?

Passover begins on the 15th day of the month of Nisan on the Hebrew calendar and lasts for seven to eight days. This year, Passover begins on April 19.

How do people celebrate Passover?

The first night of Passover is the most important and most celebrated. Jewish families and friends gather for a special meal called a seder. The seder includes a number of symbolic and kosher foods served on the Sedar plate. The most symbolic food is matzah, or unleavened bread, which symbolizes and commemorates the haste with which the Israelites had to leave Egypt – so quickly that they didn’t have enough time to let their bread rise. Leavened bread is restricted during Passover.